James W. “Jimmy” Hess – 29 – of 7146 Tobes Hill Road, Hornell (Town of Hornellsville) died Sunday evening (May 10, 2020) at his home, following a long & courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Hornell on October 23, 1990, he was the son of James & Angela (Caruso) Hess.
Jimmy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 2008). He later received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).
He was employed for several years at the Hornell Public Library and later assisted his father in the operation of Hess Tree Service. More recently, Jimmy was employed as a cashier at Wegman’s Grocery in Hornell where he was well known for his warm & friendly personality and his ever-present smile.
Jimmy was a lifelong member of Hornell United Methodist Church and for many years served as Choir Director. His faith in God was immeasurable!! He had a deep love of music and was known and admired throughout the area for having a beautiful voice. Being as talented as he was, Jimmy actually auditioned for the nationally acclaimed TV shows, “America’s Got Talent” and also “The Voice”. Locally, he enjoyed karaoke and taking part in many plays & recitals.
For several years, Jimmy served as an announcer at Hornell Little League and Hornell Babe Ruth Games. He was an avid WWE wrestling fan and was a member of the Hornell YMCA and Maple City Physical Therapy. For several years, Jimmy enjoyed the time he spent taking karate lessons. Having been “bullied” during his school years, Jimmy devoted his adult life promoting love & peace to everyone and simply “lending a sympathetic ear” to anyone who found themselves enduring the same hardship.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter & Betty Hess; and also his maternal grandparents, Angelo & Ethel Caruso.
Surviving are his father, James “Jim” Hess of Hornell; his mother, Angela Caruso of Wellsville; his sister, Jessica Hess of Monroe, NC; his half-sister, Sierra Caruso of Wellsville; several aunts, uncles & cousins.
At Jimmy’s request there will no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on a day & time to be announced.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jimmy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790 or the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or the Hornell Community Arts Center, Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843.
This note is for Jim Hess. Al and I are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you that God will bring comfort and peace. Jimmy will be greatly missed.
So sorry Jess for the loss of your brother, prayers for you and all your family.
Nancy
Jim and Jess,
I am praying that all the wonderful memories you created with Jimmy bring you much comfort and asking our dear Lord to hold you both within His arms and give you strength and peace this day and in the days to come.
He will be sorely missed by this community that he loved.
So sorry,
Dianne Barker
Jim was a kind and loving boy at Intermediate School in Hornell. He loved everyone and, in turn, they loved him. I so enjoyed seeing him at Wegman’s. I know that the angels are overjoyed to have him in their choir. Jim will be missed by many. RIP SWEET YOUNG MAN!
My heart felt sympathies at the loss of your loved one, Jimmy. May God watch over you now and comfort you in your sorrow.
I was lucky to have known Jimmy for part of his short time here on earth. He had a smile and positive word for everyone he came across. He never let on that he had struggles of his own, he persevered. He had a great sense of humor and unforgettable laugh. He will be missed by all that knew him. I know he is singing with the angels in heaven.
Serene AKA “Susan” Libordi
I only knew Jimmy from shopping at Wegmans and was always happy and had an infectious smile. My condolences to your family. Jim, you can rest assured that he is in heaven and smiling down on all of us. You are in our prayers. Laura and Mike Beltz
I am so fortunate to have known Jim as a fine musician and friend. We did some vocal duets and sung together in the Orpheus Chorale. Jim was a blessing and will be missed.
Bill Sitzman
I am grateful that Jim Hess was in my multi-age classroom for the 3 year program. He enjoyed his classmates, laughed and questioned along with all of us. In his life Jim taught and modeled respect and caring for each other. Jim has enriched Hornell. We will miss him.
Sending thoughts and prayers to Jim and family. Thinking about Jimmy and the best memories of him. So many wonderful memories from church… watching him grow up. His faith journey grew so much…& I know he’s looking down smiling at us all. Loved watching him in the many plays that he was in…. one memory is when I actually went to a performance of The Rocky Horror Picture show….. seeing Jim as one of the actors, made me laugh. Not the type of performance I usually went to. Lol. I feel so blessed to have had Jimmy in my life, he showed courage and never gave up. I will miss seeing him at church and having him ring me up at Wegmans. As well as doing the puppets during VBS… you’re already missed so very much. Rest In Peace Jimmy and give your grandma and grandpa hugs from us all. And a big Thank you to God, for giving us a Jimmy Hess in our life.